Which Ornamental Tree Is Right For Your Landscape

If you long to have a tree in your yard, but are limited on space for a large, treehouse bearing tree, you may want to consider an ornamental tree (or ornamental plant if you are really limited on yard space.) Ornamental trees will remain smaller in size and maintaining the look and feel of your landscape without overwhelming it with a large tree. Here are a few to consider for your yard.

One of the most common ornamental trees homeowners may consider adding to their landscape is a flowering ornamental tree, such as crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia), which come in over 50 variety of species, dogwood trees (such as Cornus florida) and saucer magnolias (Magnolia X soulangeana), with their large pink-white blooms. These types of trees will give you the splash of color like a plant with the beauty of a smaller sized tree. Perfect for smaller spaces and yards.

Another favorite for homeowners are weeping ornamental trees such as the weeping cherry tree, (Prunus subhirtella “Pendula”) are also flowering trees and have non-aggressive root systems, so they are safer to plant near septic systems. Just like with flowering trees, you can select from several different tree species to obtain the desired flower size and traits.

Ornamental plants can be used both indoors as well as in landscapes, but they require more care than an ornamental tree to achieve the maximum results. Often times these types of plants are reserved for the more diligent gardener, but with consistent care, you can enjoy the beauty of these plants as well. Though some ornamental plants and shrubs can be trained and pruned to look like an ornamental tree, if you are not diligent with its care, you will not achieve the desired effects.